​Join Barb Kennerly-Cubbage in one of two Paint-Alongs on Friday, April 20th, from 5:00 until 6:30 or 7:30 until 9:00. She'll lead you in painting a Baobab Tree that's silhouetted against a brilliant sunset. Spring in Full Bloom. Beginners, and artists of all levels of experience, are welcome. (Even if you've never touched a paint brush in your life!) Barb's teaching style is easy-going, and a fun time will be had by all who attend.

This all inclusive class is available at a cost of $39, and a significant portion of this amount will be donated toward the creation of a deep well and holding tank in Burkina Faso, West Africa. We'll be working with Stephanie and Daniel Dias, residents of Burkina Faso, in making their dream of this well a reality.

​With a three-hour drive to the nearest grocery store, life in their village is about as different from life in North Carolina as one could imagine. When village residents need medical attention, they must ride a bicycle or walk nine miles to the closest health clinic, and the most convenient source for clean water is at least a half mile away. ​

Most of us here in The United States take the availability of clean water for granted, and that’s definitely not the case in Burkina Faso. Right now, the majority of water in their village comes from two hand dug wells. Neither provides good quality water, and the filtering system that would render it clean is not available to villagers.​​​​The Baobab Tree has a thick trunk and short naked branches. It is spread over most of the Sahel region of West Africa and is a symbol for the region. Many villages are built around baobab trees. The villagers use its leaves for medicinal purposes and its fruit, monkey bread, as a source of food and juice.

During the break between Kennerly-Cubbage’s two Paint-Along Classes, the Dias Family will provide a taste sampling of authentic food and juice from Burkina Faso. They’ll also be sharing a short presentation and photos about their work. Their son will give a drum demonstration, while Stephanie will demonstrate some typical dance moves from the region. Everyone in attendance will be encouraged to join in the fun.

It should be noted that all donations provided during this fundraiser are tax deductible. For those who won’t be able to attend in person, donations may be delivered to ARTworks Vass through the end of April, they may be made online at https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/daniel-and-stephanie-dias , or they may be sent to Ethnos360, Daniel and Stephanie Dias, 312 W First St, Sanford, FL 32771 with the names Daniel and Stephanie Dias on the subject line of the check. ​At ARTworks Vass, we always invite you to bring a drink; bring a snack; bring a friend! You're welcome to enjoy your favorite wines at most of our classes and special events too.